Garibaldi Square (Praca Garibaldi) Tours

Located in the middle of Curitiba’s Historic District, Garibaldi Square is a must-see for travelers. In addition to the grand Garibaldi Palace (Palacio Garibaldi), three churches, a fountain and a flower clock, the streets surrounding the square are lined with art galleries, antique stores and lively bars.

Perhaps the most imposing building in the square, Garibaldi Palace’s construction began in 1887 and took 17 years to complete. It was originally created as a meeting space for Italian immigrants living in Curitiba. Although still the headquarters of the Garibaldi Society, the space now is used for weddings and events. The square also has one of the few flower clocks in the world that, according to officials, always shows the correct time. A gift from the city’s jewelers, the clock is 26 feet (eight meters) long with fiberglass hour and minute hands and is greatly admired. The clock is said to be off by 30 seconds each year at most and runs on battery-powered quartz.

The area also houses the Baroque-style Igreja do Rosario dos Pretos, constructed by a brotherhood of former African slaves in the 18th century before being demolished in 1931 and replaced. The church is simple, with two large stained-glass windows and painted Portuguese tiles embedded in the pillars. Original tiles can still be found along the outer walls today.

Practical Info

Praca Garibaldi is located in Curitiba’s historic center, in the Sao Francisco neighborhood. Admission to the square itself is free and opened 24 hours a day. Please check times to visit the churches.